Operations Excellence update: November 27, 2017

Operations Excellence update: November 27, 2017

Argonne’s Operations Excellence Council provides a senior management forum to help deliver leading-edge science, and develop a strong commitment to, and culture around, research and operational excellence throughout the laboratory. It supports timely, transparent and effective decision-making on operational programs while also communicating customer feedback, needs and priorities, and reviewing lab performance targets and metrics.

Michael Romero, HSE deputy division director, discussed the Safety Alert distributed Nov. 8 regarding the 134 models of Kidde fire extinguishers that were recalled. He recognized that these fire extinguishers were not purchased via PARIS or AMOS and encouraged everyone to check extinguishers in their offices and homes. Kidde Product Safety Recall webpage

Romero provided an overview of the four OSHA recordable injuries in October: two ankle injuries from missteps, a thumb laceration from a sharp edge and a scalp laceration from a bump on a car’s hatchback.

Bob Einspar, Safety Performance Trending and Analysis Committee chair, reported these injuries did not result in days away from work. Einspar also provided statistics pertaining to training completion, observation conversation results and Spot awards.

At the October 26, 2017 meeting, Michael Edelen, electrical authority having jurisdiction and subject matter expert, described his proposal to restructure the Electrical Safety Committee (see diagram below). Balendra Sutharshan, EGS Chief Operations Officer, requested additional information about the context and drivers for the proposed change. In response to a question about the selection process, Edelen reported there will be a laboratory communication for nomination with qualification criteria.

John Quintana, interim chief operations officer, reported he attended the DOE Deputy Director for Field Operations (DDFO) meeting at Fermilab. The focus of the meeting was “Skill of the Worker” and “Skill of the Researcher” — the knowledge and practices required to perform standard work activities successfully and safely. Attendees agreed there is a need for a common understanding, and how Skill of the Worker and Skill of the Researcher will be managed, Quintana said. It will be necessary for the workers who are managing and understanding risk at the point of work. Additionally, managers must be able to support workers as they assess systems, processes, conditions and supervision. Meeting participants called for a simplified, common approach (not more paper) for real solutions and to help identify areas where work is done right, Quintana said.

Devin Hodge, CLS chief operations officer, recommended including up-and-coming employees in more committees, such as the Operations Excellence Council and suggested reviewing the list of Strategic Laboratory Leadership Program participants.